WINDSTAR CRUISES — ULTIMATE LUXURY GUIDE

Windstar Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to Small-Ship Luxury Cruising

Ships — Destinations — Dining — Cabins — Pricing — Comparisons

Everything you need to know before you book — from ships, cabins and destinations to pricing, dining, service, shore excursions, pros & cons and how Windstar compares with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent, Explora Journeys and Viking Ocean.

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EXPERT LUXURY TRAVEL INSIGHT

Windstar Advice From Angela Hughes

This Windstar guide is created for discerning travelers by Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, founder of Luxury Travel University and a luxury travel professional with more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry.

Angela has traveled to more than 121 countries and is recognized internationally as a luxury travel speaker, trainer and industry expert. She was named 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year by Travel Leaders Network and one of the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026 by TravelPulse.

Her expertise spans luxury cruises, small-ship cruising, safaris, expeditions, river cruising and premium custom travel.

Angela HughesCEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

Understanding Windstar

What Is Windstar Cruises?

Windstar Cruises is a luxury small-ship cruise line known for intimate yacht-style cruising, destination-focused itineraries, personalized service and its distinctive sailing yachts.

Unlike a traditional mega-ship cruise, Windstar places considerably more emphasis on the destination and the feeling of traveling aboard a private yacht. Its fleet includes classic sailing yachts as well as all-suite motor yachts, giving travelers different ways to experience the brand.

It is not designed to compete directly with mega-ships offering waterparks, enormous entertainment complexes and dozens of restaurants. Instead, Windstar's appeal comes from doing less — and doing it in a more intimate way.

Windstar sailing yacht in destination port

Why Is Windstar So Different?

Yacht experience first. Cruise itinerary second.

On a large cruise ship, the vessel itself can be the destination. Windstar takes a different approach — the ship is designed to help you experience the destination.

Windstar's Luxury Proposition

What Does "Luxury" Mean on Windstar?

Intimacy

Small-ship cruising

Yacht atmosphere

Destination access

Personalized service

Relaxation

Authentic experiences

Casual sophistication

At a Glance

Windstar Cruises at a Glance

Small Ships

Intimate vessels with 148–342 guests rather than floating mega-resorts carrying thousands.

Sailing Yachts

Selected ships offer the distinctive experience of sailing under wind power when conditions permit.

Yacht Atmosphere

Relaxed, intimate and less formal than many traditional luxury cruise products.

Destination Focus

Significant emphasis on ports, shore experiences and destination immersion over onboard attractions.

Relaxed Luxury

Personalized service, good food, comfortable accommodations and a casual luxury atmosphere.

Small-Ship Access

Smaller vessels reach intimate ports and hidden harbors that large cruise ships simply cannot visit.

Is Windstar Cruises Right for You?

Windstar is great if you want

A small yacht rather than a floating city
Fewer passengers and a more intimate atmosphere
Beautiful destinations rather than endless onboard attractions
Relaxed rather than highly formal luxury
Excellent food without dozens of restaurant choices
Interesting shore excursions and local experiences
The possibility of sailing on selected Windstar yachts
Quiet time on deck watching the destination go by

Consider alternatives if you need

Very large suites above all else
A private balcony on every cabin category
Large-scale entertainment
Waterparks and mega-ship attractions
Extensive children's programming
Dozens of restaurants
Formal ultra-luxury service
Large casinos and nightlife venues

Video Showcase

Experience Windstar: Small Ship Yacht Cruising

Fleet Guide

Windstar Ships: Which Yacht Is Right for You?

Windstar's fleet is not a collection of identical ships with different names. The sailing yachts and motor yachts provide meaningfully different experiences.

"The right Windstar ship is not necessarily the newest or most expensive. It is the ship that best matches the way you want to travel."

Wind Star

Sailing Yacht

Best for: Sailing, Romance & Intimacy

Wind Star represents the intimate sailing-yacht experience that many travelers associate with Windstar. Its smaller scale creates a very different atmosphere from conventional cruising — fewer guests, shorter distances between spaces and a stronger sense that the yacht itself is part of the journey.

CouplesSailing enthusiastsRomantic travelersExperienced cruisers

Trade-off:Accommodation space is more compact. Travelers accustomed to large contemporary suites should carefully review cabin categories.

Sailing Yacht vs. Motor Yacht

Feature	Sailing Yachts	Motor Yachts
Classic sailing experience	Excellent	Limited
Yacht atmosphere	Excellent	Excellent
Accommodation space	More compact	Generally more spacious
Suite emphasis	Moderate	Strong
Romance	Excellent	Excellent
Best for sailing enthusiasts	Excellent	Limited
Best for suite lovers	Good	Excellent

Wind Class= Sailing-first experience •Star Class= Suite-first yacht experience

Destinations

Where Can You Sail With Windstar?

Windstar's small ships reach ports and harbors that larger vessels simply cannot visit, creating destination experiences that feel fundamentally different from mainstream cruising.

Greek Islands

April – October

Intimate ports like Nafplio, Monemvasia and Mykonos that large ships cannot access easily.

Wind Star, Wind Surf

French Polynesia

Year-round

Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea — an unmatched sailing-yacht honeymoon destination.

Wind Spirit, Star Breeze

Mediterranean

May – November

Italy, France, Croatia, Spain — destination-rich itineraries visiting small coastal gems.

Wind Star, Wind Surf, Star Pride

Caribbean

November – April

Windward and Leeward Islands, Tobago Cays, intimate beach-focused itineraries.

Wind Surf, Star Pride

Angela's Destination Advice

"Start with the destination, not the ship. A spectacular itinerary aboard a ship that is not your first choice can create a much better vacation than your favorite ship sailing an itinerary that does not excite you."

Inside the Fleet

Behind the Scenes: Sailing Windstar Yachts

Dining & Onboard Life

What Is Life Aboard Windstar Really Like?

Windstar's onboard experience reflects its core philosophy: quality over quantity, intimacy over spectacle, and destination-inspired authenticity.

Amphora

Destination-inspired menus

Windstar's main restaurant featuring globally inspired cuisine with regionally influenced menus that change based on the itinerary and destination.

Candles

Al fresco fine dining

Intimate outdoor dining on deck under the stars, offering a more refined multi-course evening experience that is uniquely Windstar.

Stella Bistro

Casual yacht-style dining

A more relaxed dining option available on Star Class ships, offering bistro-style cuisine in an informal setting throughout the day.

Star Grill by Steven Raichlen

Signature grilled cuisine

Premium grilled cuisine available on Star Class motor yachts, emphasizing quality ingredients and expert preparation.

Beyond Dining: The Windstar Experience

James Beard Foundation Partnership

Windstar's partnership with the James Beard Foundation reflects a serious commitment to culinary quality rarely found on ships this size.

Watersports Platform

Selected ships feature the Windstar Watersports Platform — an open stern providing direct ocean access for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.

WindSpa

Windstar's onboard spa offers wellness treatments designed to complement the relaxed atmosphere and destination-focused experience.

Sail Away & Deck Events

The Windstar Sail Away — when sails unfurl as the ship departs — is one of the most iconic moments in modern cruising, best enjoyed from the open deck.

Pricing & Inclusions

How Much Does a Windstar Cruise Cost?

Evaluating the cost of a Windstar cruise requires looking beyond the cruise fare itself and understanding what is actually included in the price.

What Is Included

All meals in all venues, including specialty dining
Non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty coffees, teas, sodas and water
Open deck dining events and beach barbecues
Onboard entertainment and daily presentations
Access to the Watersports Platform and equipment
Fully equipped fitness center and steam room
Port taxes, fees and onboard gratuities (in All-In package)

What Is Extra

Alcoholic beverages (unless upgraded to All-In package)
Shore excursions and private guides
Spa treatments and salon services
Laundry services (unless in package)
Wi-Fi internet access (unless upgraded)
Transfers and pre/post hotel stays

Booking Tip

The Windstar "All-In" Package

Windstar offers an "All-In" package upgrade (typically around $89 per guest, per day) that includes unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails, and all gratuities. For most travelers, this package provides exceptional value and peace of mind.

Honest Assessment

Windstar Cruises Pros & Cons

Every cruise experience involves trade-offs. Here is an honest, unfiltered look at the strengths and compromises of a Windstar cruise.

The Advantages (Pros)

Intimate, relaxed yacht atmosphere with fewer passengers
Sailing yacht options provide a truly unique cruise experience
Small ships reach smaller, less crowded, boutique ports
Excellent culinary quality, partner of the James Beard Foundation
Casual elegant dress code — no formal wear required
Open bridge policy and direct ocean watersports platform

The Considerations (Cons)

Sailing under actual wind power is highly weather-dependent
Suites on classic sailing yachts are relatively compact
Fewer onboard dining venues and public lounge spaces
Extremely limited children's programming and family facilities
No large theater, Broadway-style show, or casino action
Fewer private balcony cabin categories on classic ships

Explore All Windstar Cruises Guides

Select a category card to view our complete collection of expert-written articles, comparisons, and planning tools.

6 PAGES

EXPLORE THIS DESTINATION

Wind Surf Ship Guide Wind Spirit Ship Guide Star Pride Ship Guide Star Legend Ship Guide Star Breeze Ship Guide Star Seeker Ship Guide

Ship & Fleet Profiles

Detailed overviews, specifications, and dedicated ship guides for every sailing yacht and motor yacht.

4 PAGES

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Sailing Yachts vs All-Suite Yachts Windstar Cabins and Suites Explained Which Windstar Ship Has the Best Cabins?Which Windstar Ship Has Balconies?

Cabin & Suite Layouts

Veranda options, stateroom dimensions, and comparison guides for choosing the best accommodation.

5 PAGES

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Windstar Greece Cruises Windstar Mediterranean Cruises Windstar Italy Cruises Windstar Croatia Cruises Windstar French Riviera Cruises

Greece & Mediterranean

Explore the islands and hidden harbors of Italy, Croatia, Greece, and the French Riviera.

5 PAGES

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Windstar Tahiti Cruises Windstar Caribbean Cruises Windstar Alaska Cruises Windstar Japan Cruises Best Time to Take a Windstar Cruise

Tahiti & Global Regions

Cruises to French Polynesia, the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, and ocean crossings.

6 PAGES

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Windstar vs Silversea Windstar vs Regent Seven Seas Windstar vs Explora Journeys Windstar vs Seabourn Windstar vs Viking Ocean Cruises Windstar vs Oceania Cruises

Luxury Brand Comparisons

Head-to-head match-ups between Windstar and alternative luxury, river, and mega-ship operators.

6 PAGES

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What Is Windstar Cruises Really Like?Is Windstar Worth the Money?What Is Included on a Windstar Cruise?How Much Does a Windstar Cruise Cost?Is Windstar Good for Solo Travelers?Is Windstar Good for Couples?

Travel Planning & Value

Expert advice on pricing tiers, fare inclusions, solo travel options, and booking strategies.

✦ LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTISE ✦

Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials

Greece Luxury Travel Specialist & CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

40+ YEARS EXPERTISE

Angela Hughes

Angela Hughes INSIGHTS & LEADERSHIPTrusted Greece Luxury Travel Authority

With more than four decades in the travel industry and travel across more than 121 countries, Angela encourages clients to choose the experience before choosing the ship.

Luxury travel isn't simply about how much space you have or how much something costs. It's about whether the experience matches the way you actually want to travel.

The best luxury cruise is the one that fits the traveler.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Founder, Luxury Travel University
40+ years in the travel industry
121+ countries visited
2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
Most Influential Women in Travel 2026

Direct consultation & VIP cruise amenities with Angela Hughes.Let’s Plan Your Windstar Trip

Frequently Asked Questions About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is a luxury small-ship cruise line known for intimate yacht-style cruising, destination-focused itineraries, personalized service and its distinctive sailing yachts. Unlike traditional mega-ships, Windstar emphasizes the destination and the feeling of traveling aboard a private yacht.

Windstar operates seven vessels: three sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf) and four motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Seeker). Each ship carries between approximately 148 and 342 guests.

Windstar sailing yachts (Wind Class) offer a classic sailing experience with sails that deploy when conditions permit. Motor yachts (Star Class) are all-suite vessels offering more spacious accommodations and expanded public spaces. Wind Class prioritizes the sailing experience while Star Class prioritizes suite space.

Windstar occupies a distinctive position in the luxury market. Its luxury proposition is built around intimacy, small-ship cruising, yacht atmosphere, destination access, personalized service and relaxation rather than the largest suites or most formal service. It is a different definition of luxury.

Windstar is particularly well-suited for couples, honeymooners, experienced cruisers looking for something different, sailing enthusiasts, food and wine travelers, and adventure travelers who value destination immersion over onboard entertainment.

Windstar may not be ideal for travelers who prioritize very large suites, private balconies on every cabin, large-scale entertainment, waterparks, extensive children's programming, dozens of restaurants, formal ultra-luxury service, or large casinos and nightlife venues.

Wind Spirit is particularly compelling for French Polynesia. Combining an intimate sailing yacht with destinations such as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea creates an experience that feels fundamentally different from staying at one island resort.

The Star Class motor yachts — Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride — offer all-suite accommodations with generally more spacious layouts than the sailing yachts. If cabin space is central to your definition of luxury, Star Class deserves serious consideration.

Windstar sails to the Greek Islands, French Polynesia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England and transatlantic crossings. Specific itineraries vary by season and ship.

Windstar fares typically include accommodations, meals in the main dining venues, select beverages, entertainment, use of the Windstar Watersports Platform (where available), and port charges. Certain premium options such as specialty dining, spa services and premium beverages may carry additional charges.

Windstar cruise pricing varies significantly based on destination, ship, cabin category, season and booking timing. Fares generally range from approximately $200–$500+ per person per day, with expedition and peak-season voyages at the higher end. A luxury travel advisor can help identify the best value.

Windstar's dining is destination-inspired and features partnerships with the James Beard Foundation. The main restaurant Amphora offers globally inspired cuisine, while specialty options like Candles provide an intimate outdoor dining experience. Star Class ships offer additional venues like Cuadro 44 and Star Grill.

Yes, selected Windstar ships feature the Windstar Watersports Platform, which opens from the stern and provides direct ocean access for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and water sports in calm anchorages. This is a distinctive Windstar feature not commonly found on other cruise lines.

Silversea offers a more traditional ultra-luxury experience with butler service, larger suites and a more extensive fleet. Windstar offers a more intimate, yacht-style experience with smaller ships, relaxed luxury and a stronger emphasis on sailing and destination immersion. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize formal luxury or relaxed intimacy.

Booking through a specialized luxury travel advisor like Trips & Ships can provide significant advantages including cabin-matching expertise, promotional stacking, itinerary customization, pre/post-cruise planning and access to amenities not available through direct booking.